May 27, 2009 — First Bank launched its "Think First, Think Green" campaign Wednesday morning by presenting some green — a $2,500 check to first lady Cecile deJongh for her Healthy VI Challenge initiative.
The first lady thanked the bank for encouraging conservation, recycling and going green in the territory.
"As a community we are focusing more on conservation efforts, especially given these tough economic times," deJongh said. "First Bank continues to be a wonderful partner in promoting the importance of taking individual steps to reduce costs, conserve resources, and be healthier. With this donation, we will purchase additional compost bins and gardening supplies for ten elementary schools in the territory with the goal of establishing compost sites at all schools."
While thanking the bank, DeJongh took the opportunity to issue an opportunity to other businesses to get into the act, saying "I challenge Virgin Islands businesses to match this contribution towards eventually establishing school gardens on each island."
Earlier this month, deJongh presented a handmade compost bin to Joseph Sibilly Elementary
On hand for the festivities was a very tall turtle named Seymour, the First Bank "go green" campaign mascot. While the mascot remained mute, John Lewis, First Bank vice president of facilities, announced some impressive statistics.
"We have reduced our energy bills in this facility by 25 percent in the first four months of this year." Lewis said. The three-story regional headquarters is the largest of the bank's 16 offices throughout the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.
"We reduced our daily kilowatt usage from 3,397 to 2,500," Lewis said. "We re-programmed the thermostats from 72 to 75 degrees; installed occupancy sensors which turn off lights when no one is in a room; switched to energy efficient fixtures and bulbs; eliminated some printers and copiers in favor of joint usage; installed ambient light sensors which turn off unnecessary daytime lights; and we encouraged employees to use the stairs instead of the elevators."
After the ceremony Lou Lambert, representing the bank's advertising agency, said in late 2007 First Bank distributed 700 green bags at Cost-U-Less. "They were gone in one hour!"
Linda Pukenas, First Bank marketing manager, encouraged people to look at the bank's website for hints on recycling, conservation and reducing waste. And, she said, for those still coveting the green bags, the bank is distributing more Friday when it celebrates client appreciation day.
As the ceremony drew to an end and Seymour the turtle slunk off, John Hosie, bank vice president, in the spirit of the morning, opened a side door and announced to fellow employees: "Look, I'm using the stairs."
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